How can we provide more detailed models to OSM?

Currently we can offer a level of detail grade 1 (LOD1) that extrudes 2D shapes to simple block models. LOD2 includes a detailed shape of the outer elements of a object, LOD3 is a perfect shape even with textures.

Objects are buildings but of course every other POI (monuments,....). This might cover procedural models, too (e.g. repeating/adapting a road segment or a tree to become a forest).

Feel free to expand the page. For personal comments let's use the talk page, please!

Internal Tagging

Most simple solution to tag and modell complex figures using OSM primitives as ways and special attributes that indicate

starting from ground

height

Some suggested but not widely used tags can indicate:

type of building

roof type

colours

Pros:

software tools already exist, mappers are familar with this process

Cons:

might result in complex splitted up 2D shapes and a huge amount of tags per object

problems with other renderers

mappers might get annoyed

no native approach on model in 3D

no generalisation possible (a normal block in east Germany looks like this...)

very limited details due to shape->extrude approach

nothing keeps the parts of a model together

tagging mostly for buildings won't affect to general POI models

no direct storage of textures

get heavy for OSM infrastructure

New API Revision

The OSM API is changing over time, we might introduce a new feature to API 0.7:

The 3D features could be hidden from users in "2D mode"

Pros:

Deeply integrated with OSM, no other dependant tool

can start from scratch -> define tools, formats, APIs on the usecase

can beneficiate of the OSM knowledge / infrastructure

Cons

need lot of work, in server & client

can be havy for OSM infrastructure?

very confusing structures in the editors

External DB

This might be an external related project storing the models.

Pros:

user can contribute without knowledge on OSM in general

can start from scratch -> define tools, formats, APIs on the usecase

can be used by others beside OSM

Cons

a lot of work todo (sep. platform)

spatial Organisation

To deal with this mass of datas, we need to use a vector tile approach.

Data format

Storing/Exchanging 3D Models needs a format with the following requirements:

able to store 3D geometry, textures, lights

This would be great, too:

altering parameters (e.g. switch light on at nights) and model (e.g. random small houses for allotments)

general coordinatesystem (indicating directions to next road, footway, coast,...)